By Matt Lawton
August 21 2003

The Leigh RMI transfer merry-go-round continues with the signing of a veteran defender to shore up an RMI defence that has conceded six goals in three Conference games, while one youngster departs and another looks to be on his way out of Hilton Park. RMI manager Mark Patterson has moved to sign former Bury star Steve Redmond in an attempt to try and shore up an RMI defence which has shipped six goals in the opening three Nationwide Conference games against Dagenham & Redbridge, Accrington Stanley and Farnborough Town. Redmond, 35, who started the season with last season´s FA Trophy winners Burscough in the Unibond Premier League, has signed a contract that will keep the centre back at Hilton Park for the rest of the season.

The funds to secure the signing of Redmond, who has extensive Football League experience, were secured with the release of former Blackpool defender Guy Heffernan who has failed to secure a place in the RMI side after signing permanently during the summer after impressing during a short trial period towards the end of last season.

The departure of Heffernan won´t come as much as a suprise to the RMI faithful but the transfer-listing of local youngster Andy Heald, who only signed a new contract barely a month ago, will suprise and disappoint many who saw the former Morecambe star as a vital part of the side and also the key to try and provide the footballing youngsters of Leigh with a target to aim for.